BAKER HILL…Jane Smith Wells, a resident of Baker Hill, Alabama, passed away Saturday morning, October 4, 2025, at her residence. She was 89.
Graveside services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Monday, October 6, 2025, in the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery, 85 Pleasant Hill Road, Eufaula 36027, with Reverend George Bryan and Chaplain Ernie Gray officiating. Holman-Abbeville Mortuary & Cremations is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:30 P.M. Monday at the mortuary in Abbeville.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.
Mrs. Wells was a lifelong resident of Baker Hill, daughter of the late O. B. Smith and Jimimae Eubanks Smith. She was a graduate of Baker Hill High School and attended Wallace Community College in Dothan. Mrs. Wells was an active member of the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church where she served as pianist and taught a Sunday School class. She was formerly employed as a substitute teacher at Baker Hill High School and was the co-owner and operator of Tom Wells T.V. in Abbeville. Mrs. Wells was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Rogers Wells, Sr. and a sister, Laura Richards.
Surviving relatives include her son, Roger Wells (Marlene), Headland; grandchildren, Brandon Wells (Destiny), Jordan Wells, Heather Blalock (Josh), and Jennifer Dippold (Dan); great-grandchildren, Walker Wells, Keagan Wells, Katheryn Wells, Brody Blalock, Jase Blalock, Hunter Simmons, Drake Simmons and Ella Dippold; a brother-in-law, Larry Wells (Virginia), Eufaula; several nieces and nephews; and special friends, Dot Lindsey and Joyce Morris, and a special canine great-grandson, “Knox”.
Serving as active pallbearers will be Josh Blalock, Brody Blalock, Dan Dippold, Hunter Simmons, Chase Peterson and Dylan Slater.
The family would like to express their appreciation to Southeast Home Health and to SouthernCare Hospice for loving care and kindness shown to Mrs. Wells during her illness.
HOLMAN ABBEVILLE MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-585-5261. You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This establishment does not own a crematory.
Scotty Taylor, the man whose infectious laughter and larger-than-life personality could light up any room, passed away on October 3, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on July 22, 1953, in Anniston, Alabama, Scotty lived a life that he said would have killed an average man, but he was anything but average. He was a party animal with a heart of gold, and a lover of Auburn Football—War Eagle!
Scotty was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Taylor and Marie Fulton, his beloved dogs, Maggie and Ivey. But even as he crossed the rainbow bridge, one could imagine him being greeted with wagging tails and a chorus of barks.
He leaves behind a loving family, including his daughter, Brandi Zank (David); grandchildren, Ashley Dobbs (John) and Shelby Goss (Dalton); great-grandchildren, Lane Dobbs, Tripp Dobbs, Okaley Dobbs, Westlyn Dobbs, Emery Goss, and Palmer Goss; his beloved companion of over 20 years, Mary Ann Pante, and his loyal dogs, Taylor Rose and Della Street, will miss his larger-than-life presence, his booming laugh, and his ability to turn even the mundane into something extraordinary.
Before Scotty hung up his electrician’s belt from the Joseph M. Farley Nuclear Plant, he was the spark that energized not only the circuits but also the hearts of all who worked with him. His competitive spirit wasn’t just confined to the workplace; he also flexed his muscles in the Mr. Dothan bodybuilding competition, proving that voltage and vitality ran through his veins.
Scotty was a regular at J’s Landing and Newbys, where his laughter was the perfect accompaniment to any beverage. He was a gym enthusiast, a man who took his daughter to the Waffle House every morning before school and continued the routine with Mary, except on Sundays, and a beach-goer who cherished his condo by the beach. His back porch was his haven, where he enjoyed a fire, a Bud Light, Fireball, Cabernet or a sip of his homemade wine.
The words “legendary” and “funny” don’t quite capture the essence of Scotty; he was the man who could make you laugh until your sides hurt and then offer you a drink to toast to the good times. Hunts in Dothan had his oyster order memorized, and he was a connoisseur of chili dogs. His pedicures at Pinky Nails and the open road, with the wind in his hair as he rode his motorcycle through country backroads were the stuff of legends.
A celebration of Scotty’s unforgettable journey will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 10, 2025, at Ward Wilson Funeral Home, with Reverend Doug Seale offering anecdotes probably as colorful as Scotty’s life. Burial will follow in Memory Hill Cemetery, where stories of Scotty’s escapades will surely continue to echo. Friends are invited to share a laugh and a memory during visitation from 1:00 p.m. until the service begins.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Scotty’s honor to WAG-Wiregrass Animal Group.
Scotty Taylor, the man, the myth, the legend, has left the building, but his spirit will continue to party on in the hearts of all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Scotty was the kind of person you couldn’t forget, even if you tried – and let’s be honest, why would you want to?
OZARK…Mr. Robert E. “Bob” McClellan, Jr. (CW5, United States Army, Retired), a resident of Ozark, died late Friday evening, October 3, 2025, at the home of his daughter. He was 78.
Funeral services, with full military honors, will be held at 9:00 A.M. Wednesday, October 8, 2025, in Prince of Peace Lutheran Church with Pastor Chad Ingle officiating. Burial will follow in Fort Mitchell National Cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Mr. McClellan lived a life marked by service, devotion, and quiet strength. Born in Walton County, Florida, he was the cherished son of the late Lt. Colonel Robert Eugene McClellan, Sr., United States Air Force, Retired, and his beloved mother, whose grace and love helped shape the man he became. Growing up in a military family meant moving often—he lived in various places across the country and even overseas, experiencing different cultures and communities while his father served our nation. These early years instilled in him a deep sense of discipline, adaptability, and patriotism.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Mr. McClellan chose a life of service and enlisted in the United States Army. Over the course of twenty-nine dedicated years, he rose through the ranks and retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 5 on September 30, 1996, at Fort Rucker. His military career was not just a job—it was a calling. He gave his all to his country, earning the respect and admiration of those who served alongside him. His leadership, integrity, and commitment left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him in uniform.
In 1985, Mr. McClellan made Ozark, Alabama his home—a place where he would continue to serve, connect, and give back. He became an active member of the community, joining the Ozark Kiwanis Club where he served as Past President. He found joy in volunteering at the Army Aviation Museum at Fort Rucker, sharing stories, preserving history, and honoring the legacy of aviation and military service. His love for history and his respect for those who served made him a natural fit for this role.
Faith was a cornerstone of Mr. McClellan’s life. He was a devoted member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, where he found fellowship, comfort, and purpose. Whether he was attending services, lending a helping hand, or simply offering a warm smile, he was a steady presence in his church family.
Mr. McClellan’s life was also touched by deep personal loss. He was preceded in death by his son, Dennis Martin, his great-grandchild, Elijah Maund, and his sister, Diana Jiron. Though these losses weighed heavy on his heart, he carried their memory with grace and continued to live a life that honored their legacy.
He will be remembered not just for his military service or community involvement, but for the way he treated people—with kindness, humility, and a quiet dignity. Mr. McClellan was the kind of man who made you feel seen, heard, and valued. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the stories he shared, and the love he gave so freely.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Donna McClellan, Ozark; his children, Richard Martin, Chipley, Florida, Karen Page, Daleville, Robert McClellan, Alabaster, Michael McClellan (Courtney), Ashbury, Massachusetts, Christiana Miller (Kyle), Monument, Colorado, Jackie Lynn Land (Zach), and Rhianna Pence, all of Ozark; sister, Linda Gillis (Al), Spokane, Washington; eighteen grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Robbie Martin, Ozark; brother-in-law, Frank Jiron, Annandale, Virginia; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
Billy Joe Hughes, age 67, of Pinckard, Alabama, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, October 2, 2025.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, October 6, 2025, at Magnolia Freewill Baptist Church with Pastor Raymond Rivers officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the church.
Billy was born on February 22, 1958, in Heidelberg, Germany to David Jacklin “Jack” Hughes and Mary Barr Skipper. He was self-employed as a long-haul truck driver, a career that reflected his hardworking nature.
In his spare time, Billy enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching Gunsmoke, and cheering on Alabama football. Always eager to explore new experiences, he had recently taken up scuba diving and proudly earned his certification within the last year.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Donald Gene “Donnie” Hughes.
Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Stephanie Hughes Quincey (Matthew); grandchildren, Emma Quincey Fleming (Caleb); Reid Quincey; mother, Mary Skipper(Charles); father, David “Jack” Hughes (Martha); brothers, David J. Hughes, Jr. (Lottie) and Richard Hughes; sister, Jackie Hughes Whitehead; step-brother, David Mims (Kathy); and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends including Sabrina Proctor (Shane), Hayley Archie (Travis), Donald Hughes, Jr.,Ethan Hughes, Austin Whitehead, Cameron Whitehead. Great nieces and nephews include Cooper Procter, Eli Archie, Donald Hughes III, and Hannah Hughes.
BAKER HILL…Jane Smith Wells, a resident of the Baker Hill Community, died Saturday, October 4, 2025 at her residence. She was 89.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced by Holman-Abbeville Mortuary & Cremations.
HOLMAN ABBEVILLE MORTUARY & CREMATIONS IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS. Phone 334-585-5261. You may sign a guest register at www.holmanmortuaries.com. This establishment does not own a crematory.
Mr. Archie Fondren of Hartford went home to be with the Lord on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Southeast Health surrounded by his loving family. He was 89.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, October 6, 2025, at Hartford Baptist Church with Rev. Scott Cox, and Rev. Bruce Spivey officiating, and Sorrells Funeral Home of Slocomb directing. Interment will follow in the Hartford City Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the church on Monday one hour prior to service time.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you honor Archie’s memory with your contribution to the Hartford Baptist Church, 105 East Birch St. Hartford AL 36344.
Mr. Fondren was born on April 13, 1936, in Geneva County to the late Daniel Webster and Leola Morris Fondren. Archie was a family man. Everything he did was with the purpose of leading them to God. He enjoyed spending time with his family at Compass Lake since the early 1970’s. Archie had a servant’s heart. He served faithfully in his church, Hartford Baptist, where he was a Sunday school teacher for the Baracca class for over 50 years, and as a deacon for over 60 years. Archie was a member of the Hartford Lions Club where he served as Past President, a member of the Hartford Civic Club, and a past school board member for the Geneva County School Board. Archie believed in community involvement, family, and most importantly, God. These are the values he instilled in his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, a son, Mark Fondren; granddaughter, Rachel Fondren; sisters: Ruth Gavins, and Martha Coe; brothers: Clifford Fondren, Claude Fondren, and William Fondren, all preceded him in death.
Survivors include his loving wife of 70 years, Sue Green Fondren; daughter, Suzanne Bush (Scott); son, Paul Fondren (Janie); grandchildren: Patrick Fondren (Shelby), Sarah Jane Reed (Dustin), Maggie Branson (Bobby), and Will Bush; great grandchildren: Rhett Fondren, Myles Fondren, and Lincoln Reed; sister, Faye Wright; brother, Jimmy Ray Fondren (Pat); nieces, nephews, other extended family; and special friends, Jimmy and Mary Lou Hendrix.
Mr. Archie Fondren of Hartford went home to be with the Lord on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Southeast Health surrounded by his loving family. He was 89.